When They Were 22: 100 Famous People at the Turning Point in Their Lives

By Brad Dunn

Most of us can point to one or two moments in our lives when everything changed, when a stroke of fate forever altered the future, or a single decision sparked a lifetime of consequences. Across the broadest spectrum of famous people, that moment happens more often at 22 than any other age. Brad Dunn's When They Were 22 tells the stories of famous people and the fateful events and choices they faced at the all-important age of 22. From writers, actors, and musicians to politicians, hip-hop moguls, criminals, and porn stars, When They Were 22 chronicles some of the most legendary, influential, and controversial celebrities during the most pivotal year of their lives. Just a few examples: * Oprah Winfrey dropped out of college to become a newsreader in Nashville, and at 22 moved to Baltimore to work at another station where she landed her own talk show. * Jack White had his own upholstery business at age 22, but while practicing the guitar he asked his wife, Meg, to try the drums--he liked her playing so much they began performing as a two-piece band, the White Stripes. * When Karl Rove was 22, he was accused of espionage and deceitful campaign tactics by the College Republicans and wound up meeting future president George W. Bush. With an eclectic lineup that includes Bill Murray, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Marilyn Monroe, Stephen Hawking, Pamela Anderson, Malcolm X, Stanley Kubrick, Andy Warhol, Larry Flynt, Jane Goodall, Harvey Weinstein, and many more, When They Were 22 is perfect for graduates, job searchers, celebrity watchers, biography lovers, or anyone who doubts that in life anything is possible.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0740758101
• ISBN13: 9780740758102
• Release Date: March 2006
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.3" x 7.3"

Customer Reviews

A great gift to give for anyone approaching that magic age

From experience I can say that as a 22 year old, uncertainty is your only certainty especially in today's manic reality. But this book did help bring out the fact that even your failures can play a part in your success. Although it would have been nice of the author to condense his list a bit (how about only 22 for the age)it was interesting to learn facts about well known figures. I was most impressed with the decisions of Johnny Cash, Dr. Seuss & heck even Pam Anderson. A few choices felt stretched but overall I would recommend this book to the twenty-something crowed in need of a moral boost and those in their post twenties as a way to reflect.

A nice, enjoyable read

Brad Dunn's new book, "When They Were 22" is a breezy read concerning people we know and some whom we might not know as well. Highlights range from Stephen Hawking.....(his best entry) to Jerry Falwell (read it if you must). It's a great idea for a book and one that will click if you're past the ripe old age of 22, or even approaching it! I highly recommend it.

Love biographies? You'll love this book.

If you love biographies, you'll love this book. An incredible idea which proves that this critical year in any persons life, can alter their future in such a significant way. I highly recommend this book to all. It is not only interesting to young people but Brad Dunn has selected to capture a moment in the lives of such a unique group of people.

Refreshing and effective

After I did something really stupid when I was 22, a friend's mother calmed me down by telling me that "youth is for making mistakes, just don't keep making them when you're 40." In this book, B.Dunn points out that many of the people we know, celebrate and even revere were also once 22. Not in the obvious chronological sense, but in the terrrible, wonderful, frightening and enlightening way we all were. It's well written, creative and constantly surprising. Keep it up, big guy.